20130823-_DSC8441-Dublin Day Four

Irish Folklore extends much farther than leprechauns and faeries, of course, as a land full of a rich pagan history. We were told the story of the Salmon of Wisdom, and some guy who spent his whole life trying to catch it. He did, once, only to look into its eyes and be put to sleep. The story went that the first person to cach, cook, and tast the salmon, they'd be the strongest, wisest, and best warrior in Ireland. He eventually had to get an apprentice, as he was getting on in age. Eventually, they found the fish, and it darted around their boat so fast they found themselves in an inexplicable whirlpool. They were able to net the fish, and the man again looked into its eyes, falling asleep. His apprentice, however, thought quickly and wrapped the fish in a shroud. They got home, and the man awoke to a bowl of chicken soup. The apprentice outside was cooking the fish, and he noticed the skin blister. He popped the blister with a finger, which spurted hot oil on his finger, which he instinctively stuck in his mouth. The master got up, saw the salmon, and rejoiced. Then, he ate of it. Then, he waited.. for a day or so. He didn't notice any change, so he went to the apprentice, noticing his strength and radiating whatnot, asked him if he had, in fact, eaten of the fish before him. The apprentice denied it, until he was asked if he had even tasted of the fish. Then, he realized his error, having stuck his finger in his mouth, he had tasted it. The master thought, and relented, it was better that the apprentice had gotten the first taste, as the master was now an old man and had not long to utilize the powers the fish would give. Shortly thereafter, he died. Blah.

Done